Bubbles, the chimpanzee who once famously accompanied Michael Jackson on tours and music videos, has reached the ripe age of 42—and he’s living a peaceful, pampered life far from the spotlight.

Michael Jackson's beloved chimp Bubbles is alive and well - but his life is very different these days - The Mirror

After a remarkable journey from pet to sanctuary resident, Bubbles now calls the Centre for Great Apes in Wauchula, Florida, his home.

Born in 1983, likely at a biomedical research lab, Bubbles was adopted by Jackson during the 1980s from a Texas facility. The chimp quickly became a media sensation, even joining the King of Pop on a promotional tour in Japan when he was just four years old.

People shocked to discover Michael Jackson's chimpanzee Bubbles is still alive at 40 years old

However, as Bubbles matured into an adult chimpanzee with natural wild behaviors, it became clear he could no longer be kept as a pet.

By 2003, he was transferred to an animal trainer in California and, in 2005, relocated to the Centre for Great Apes, a sanctuary dedicated to retired chimpanzees and orangutans from entertainment backgrounds.

Today, Bubbles enjoys a comfortable and enriched life. Weighing about 180 pounds, he lives among other chimpanzees—like Oopsie, Boma, Ripley, Kodua, and Stryker—forming social bonds and displaying a calm, artistic nature.

Sanctuary staff note his love for painting and his role as a gentle leader within his group.

Visitors to the sanctuary often witness Bubbles exploring tunnels, crafting nests under trees, and enjoying leisurely naps, all under the attentive care of veterinarians and dedicated caregivers.

Michael Jackson's Chimp Turns An Astonishing 42

Despite reports occasionally citing his age as 40, multiple authoritative sources confirm Bubbles was born in 1983, making him 42 years old in 2025.

The Michael Jackson Estate continues to support his care generously, contributing around $27,000 annually to ensure his health and happiness.

Bubbles’ story is a fascinating chapter in pop culture history—one that shows a beloved pet’s transition into a dignified sanctuary resident, thriving away from cameras and chaos.

At 42, Bubbles is a living reminder of Michael Jackson’s complex legacy and a testament to the importance of compassionate animal care.